Monday, May 3, 2010

New York trio The Spring Standards offer listeners a diverse experience on their debut full length, Would Things Be Different. Produced by Bryce Goggin (Pavement, Phish, The Apples in Stereo), the release mixes jazz, country and a throwback to 1950s rock & roll. Alternating between James Cleare, James Smith and Heather Robb on lead vocals, each track brings something new and refreshing to the listener.

First track on MySpace, "Halcyon Days" starts things off with light whistling before Smith enters. With soft banjo, string and bell accompaniment, the trio relax the listener. Not for too long, though as "Queen of the Lot" quickly switches gears. With fitting piano introduction, Robb's airy vocals captivate before horn and percussion pick up the pace. The music suddenly segues into a jazzier sound as Robb belts, "Why not have it all/You've every right to take what's not tied down."

Known for their impeccable harmonizing, it is not their individual solos that impress, but when the band sings together. Tracks like the energetic "Goodbye Midnight" and "Little Bug" on EP No One Will Know showcase The Spring Standards' vocal ability best and continues to intrigue the listener.

Standout MySpace track, "Little Bug" takes the listener back to doo-wop days of the 1950s and 60s combined with their seductive electric guitar accompaniment. Bearing resemblance to The Doors and Elvis Presley with their musical build up, it is hard to place The Spring Standards into one genre. This is not a detriment, however. Music fans of every genre can find something to like within The Spring Standards release. After all, isn't that the dream of every musician?

Watch The Spring Standards perform "Halcyon Days" below. For more, be sure to visit them on MySpace.